Trail 717A Loop hike

Starting on the outskirts of Woodland Park, this loop of Forest Service Trail 717A, Forest Service Road 308 and an unnamed power line access trail has some nice views of Pikes Peak, and some historical ruins. Parts of this hike can be busy with off-road motorized vehicle traffic, especially on weekends.

To get there: Take U.S. 24 west from Colorado Springs. Go through Woodland Park and to the traffic light at Teller County Road 25, and turn right. Follow CR 25 for 2.8 miles to the parking lot and trailhead.

Just under 3 miles from Hwy. 24 on County Road 25 is the large parking area.

Bob Falcone

To the left of the trail is a number of signs with rules for the trail, and also this map. Trail 717A is open to off-road motorized travel.

Bob Falcone

The trail is well-marked and easy to follow.

Bob Falcone

The first third of a mile starts off fairly easy, until this short, steep, and heavily rutted uphill section. The trail turns left at the top.

Bob Falcone

At .6 miles, 717A goes through this gate. Forest Service Road 308 comes in from the left to join 717A. Continue straight ahead

Bob Falcone

As you're walking down this section, look over your shoulder every once in a while for some nice views of Pikes Peak.

Bob Falcone

717A/308 is well marked. At about .73 miles, it continues straight past a trail that intersects from the right.

Bob Falcone

At about just under 1 mile, trail 717A splits off to the left dropping steeply downhill, while Road 308 bears slightly right. Continue on 308. You'll later return back up 717A to this spot.

Bob Falcone

Although the sign says Road 308 is a dead end, this isn't an out-and-back hike.

Bob Falcone

At about 1.37 miles there are stone chimneys, apparently remnants of some houses that once stood here. A trail to the right (behind the stump in the picture) drops downhill, and after about one-half mile there are more ruins of old buildings. For this hike, however, bear left and stay on 308.

Bob Falcone

Another view of the stone chimneys. They are surrounded by a fence. Please respect the area and stay out of the fenced in area.

Bob Falcone

Continuing down 308, at about 1.56 miles a trail intersects from the left. Continue straight on 308. At 1.96 miles, 308 dead ends at a large turn around where power lines cross. If you're familiar with Lovell Gulch, these are the same power lines that run through there.

Bob Falcone

When you enter the turnaround, make a sharp left turn and follow the wide track that follows the power line. The photo shows the perspective as looking back towards 308.

Bob Falcone

Follow the road along the powerline. There are some decent ups-and-downs along this section, making for good workouts. At 2.32 and 2.62 miles (at the top of two hills) there are side trails to the left that can take you back to Road 308, if you choose.

Bob Falcone

At 2.80 miles the power line crosses trail 717A. A right turn will take you to Mule Creek. Turn left here to return to the trailhead. At the top of the hill, the trail will bear left. At 2.95 miles, the trail again merges with Road 308. Turn right. At 3.33 miles, Road 308 cuts off to the right. Bear left, staying on 717A and follow it to the parking area. Total distance is approximately 4 miles.